Here we are about to embark on one of the biggest seasons in Red Sox history.

I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. Why?

Perhaps it was the way 2003 ended. You'd think that I would be a little gun-shy, nah, I've dealt with defeat in the past and was not as eager.

Perhaps its the acquisition of Curt Schilling[Official team profile]. A proven winner, Schilling in fact should lead the American League in wins and strikeouts this year. I have a lot of respect for Schilling. He has a lot of respect for the game and has a tremendous work-ethic. Plus, he and I are both collectors of baseball memorabilia. He is a historian, who realizes his impact on this storied franchise.

Perhaps it's the addition of Keith Foulke [Official team profile]. With his ability to close games, the Red Sox should increase their win total. The Boston Herald seems worried about Foulke's missing art. I still expect Foulke to get around 40 saves. This guy is very deceptive both in his delivery and pitch selection, what a change-up. He'll figure it out.

I'm not sure why I'm so excited. But when Pedro Martinez [Official team profile] and Sidney Ponson face each other Sunday night at Camden Yards, I'll be on the edge of my seat drooling, fixated on every pitch. I've waited so long.

ESPN's Peter Gammons has the American League wild-card race is up-for-grabs with the improvements in the East and West. But let us not forget the Baltimore Orioles. The are indeed under the radar but, this is a much improved team - offensively and defensively. Although a number of questions remain, this club will compete - for third. The Baltimore Sun attempts to answer some of these questions. Former Yankee coach, Lee Mazzilli, takes over as manager of the Orioles and the Sun's Laura Vecsey says " It's Mazzilli's turn to step up to plate." With the team completely overhauled, I'm sure he'll be a hit. Baltimore is a couple of years away from contending with the likes of the Red Sox and Yankees. They may be a spoiler.

In the meantime, The Providence Journal has put together its Red Sox season preview. The newspaper site takes a look at Boston's manager, Terry Francona. Steven Krasner says only time can tell whether Francona is the right fit. Philadelphian Angelo Cataldi isn't much of a Francona fan. I'll side with Krasner. Francona is a numbers guy and so am I, 'nuff said. The Providence Journal also thinks that October will be the hardest month for the Sox. I disagree, April looks pretty tough especially without Nomar, Trot and Kim and facing the Yankees seven times. This weekend will set the tone.

Will this be the year? This has to be the year!

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